Carol Ann Serra Gongaware, 78 of Irwin died Thursday June 16, 2022 in Transitions Healthcare, North Huntingdon. In addition to her parents Carl and Mary (Fox) Serra, she was predeceased in death by her sister Dorothy Lynn Serra. Carol was born April 27, 1944 in Greensburg Hospital. She graduated from Norwin High School in 1962 and the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Social Work in 1967. Carol was married to her husband and best friend Russell “Eddie” Gongaware in 1967. When Eddie was transferred to New Jersey, Carol worked for the city of New York, Veterans Welfare Center for Honorably discharged Veterans. When they moved to Beaver, PA Carol worked for Beaver Housing having many responsibilities. She was a public housing manager, created a social services program for residents, created 4 nutrition sites for the elderly and wrote the original Protective Services Program for Beaver County that is still in existence. From there, Carol and Eddie moved to North Charleston South Carolina where Carol managed all of the public housing. Carol loved the work she did. Carol retired early to return to Irwin to care for her elderly mother. For Carol, family came first. Carol is a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Loom 236 and the Norwin Elks. Carol is survived by her husband, Eddie, many cousins, nieces, nephews, special dog Sassy and very special brother-in-law Roy (Patty). Friends will be received on Sunday from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 pm at Ott Funeral Home, Inc., 805 Pennsylvania Avenue, Irwin where a Blessing service will be held on Monday at 930 am in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers Carol requests donations to White Oak Safe Haven Animal Shelter, 2295 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131. To send online condolences please visit www.ottfuneralhome.com